Cell Phone Policy

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (DOT) enacted a law effective 12/15/2011 that prohibits commercial drivers from reaching for, holding or dialing a cell phone while operating a commercial vehicle. Melton had a couple of big hits to our CSA score in the past month due to drivers being ticketed for using cell phones while driving. The penalty for being caught is extensive. First, the Cell Phone CSA points are the same as a DUI – a whopping 30.

The hefty tickets and fines can total $2500.00. This is a red flag violation which is a black mark on the driver’s MVR and personal CSA score and can cause a driver to lose their job here, and not be able to get a driving job somewhere else. These offenses will further hurt Melton’s CSA score and cause all of our drivers to be inspected at every weigh station when currently we hold a “Optional” rating. Please do not use your handset while driving. We are educating our staff to avoid talking to a driver in motion. We will be asking the driver to find a safe place (not the shoulder) and call back.

Thanks to everyone for their cooperation on this, because it each of us to make a difference.